What does a first-time buyer checklist look like?

Before you start: confirm your budget with mortgage pre-approval, save the deposit + ~7-8% fees plus a buffer, gather your passport, Emirates ID, salary certificate and bank statements, verify the agent's RERA BRN, and check service-charge levels for shortlisted buildings. Then view in person, compare recent sold prices, and never pay before verifying the seller, developer and title.